Olympic Gold Medals May Not Contain As Much Gold As One Might Hope

Going for the gold may not mean as much gold as it once did. For those who have not been privy this information, the Olympic gold medal has not been constructed of solid gold since 1912.

The Rio 2016 Summer Olympic gold medals have been through an extensive process complete with the utmost sense of care. While sculptors for the Brazilian Mint have the ability to program their designs and have the final mold produced by computers, they have opted out of the modern day process. Replacing technology with old fashion hand sculpting and precision tools, the molds bears the love, care, and pride which is then reflected in the medals.

Interestingly enough, the beneath the beautiful, hand-crafted molds, the gold medal has not been made of 100% gold in 104 years. Specifically, the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic medals, while in total, weight 500 grams each, only 6 grams are indeed gold. The remaining 494 grams of metal is silver which is "bathed in gold."

Which leads to the inevitable question: How much is an Olympic Gold Medal really worth?

It seems, once the medal is melted down and current markets rates are then taken into consideration, in all the medals are comprised of $587 worth of precious metals. Though when you factor in the symbolism and meaning of the Olympic gold medal, the value then becomes intrinsic.

Since 1979, Bellevue Rare Coins has been a trusted, family-owned business serving the Greater Seattle Area with locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood, Issaquah and West Seattle. Specializing in gold, silver, diamond, and jewelry purchasing, in addition to dealing in rare coins. We now offer a vast selection of fine, vintage and custom designed jewelry. Visit anyone of our three friendly locations for the best deals selling or buying.